New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out! (2/3 chapters)

 

 

The Liger Household and Water Transport

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

I was surprised, and Brown said cheerfully.

“That’s right, nyan. Other Nyaff tribe members have also asked me to make them, and my fishing friends too… nyan.” (Brown)

“The Nyaff tribe or rather, I’ve heard that the dream of merchants is ships…” (Elt)

His tone sounded like, “Is a boat really okay?”. I didn’t say it out loud, though.

“Nyan… well, someday I want to have a big ship, nyan… I want to load cargo enough to creak the harbor’s pier, nyan…” (Brown)

“You want to load that much?” (Elt)

“But probably, the sea breeze is sticky, so I think I won’t ride it much and will leave it to others, nyan…” (Brown)

“You’ll leave it to others, huh.” (Elt)

The Nyaff tribe is covered in fur all over. They probably hate sticky stuff, yeah.

“That said, for now, even a small one is wanted, nyan…” (Brown)

I see… I understood that Brown and the others really want one.

On Anaria’s face, it surely says it’s an important matter. But apparently, the apothecary does not share the dream of ships.

One thing learned.

“And the fishing friends said they’d buy one too…” (Elt)

“Nyan. Led by a man in his late thirties, nyan.” (Brown)

As I expected. For those who have fishing as a hobby, it expands how they can enjoy themselves. He seems to be earning well, so he’ll probably buy one easily.

“…Isn’t that too many, nyan?” (Brown)

“No… it’s fine. More villagers wanted to buy boats than I thought.” (Elt)

Originally, there’s nothing on the lake. Sometimes people go fishing for Rainbow Fish. I thought if there were just roofs and posts to tie the ropes for parking boats, that would be enough… Well, it will just increase. Enhancing recreation is probably important for encouraging settlement.

“I’ll discuss with Leia and think about where to park the boats. It’s fine to have the boats prepared as is.” (Elt)

“Nyaa~n, thank you very much, nyan!” (Brown)

“That’s good.” (Anaria)

“Good, nya~n!” (Brown)

Brown was so happy he jumped up.

Hmm, cute… Brown is male, though. That much, it really is an important dream for merchants.

“Ahem… So, when the boats are ready, will you let me ride too?” (Elt)

“Of course, nyan! Let’s go fishing, nyan!” (Brown)

Well, something like this is nice too. This village isn’t mine alone. It’s a village we all live in and build together.

A Cockatrice boat is nothing special. It could be a lake with many boats floating.

 

—

 

Meanwhile, at Nana’s house.

Nana woke up near noon. She had fallen asleep while still in her costume. She was slumped over the desk.

“Good morning, Nana.” (Leia)

“Good morning… Leia.” (Nana)

Lately, Leia often came to Nana’s house. They got excited talking about magical tools and such, so Nana didn’t mind. When they weren’t excited, they just silently worked, which was also fine.

They seemed to be on the same wavelength. Sometimes Leia came even without a particular reason. And then they stayed up all night at Nana’s house.

Right now, Nana had papers spread out on the desk, sketching various things.

“…You don’t have to push yourself so hard on the boats, do you?” (Nana)

“I take naps at reasonable intervals, so it’s fine.” (Leia)

“I didn’t mean it like that…” (Nana)

“Sorry, I really am fine. Compared to when we didn’t have potions…” (Leia)

At that time, only a few adventurers could enter the dungeon, and gathering materials near Zanzas was also delayed. It was no joke that Zanzas was approaching a financial crisis, and I was very worried. But what luck, Elt resolved the potion shortage around Zanzas. Moreover, the last festival showed an unprecedented level of excitement. It was unimaginable a year ago.

“Is it true you’re getting involved in water transport?” (Nana)

Leaning on the desk with her elbows, Nana asked.

“Yes, starting with boats. But it’s not just my idea. It’s the unanimous decision of the Zanzas council.” (Leia)

“If you start with boats, how many years will it take?” (Nana)

“…Actually, we already have several cargo ship blueprints. Entering the water transport business has been discussed three times in the last several decades.” (Leia)

“I see… so it’s not just a sudden idea?” (Nana)

Nana was convinced.

Water transport couldn’t be done overnight. Recovering the investment took huge amounts of money and time. It had been examined many times and rejected before. So, this time they must have been serious.

“Yes, but due to various circumstances it stalled or was postponed… Of course, we still lease a dedicated ship, but…” (Leia)

“So, the rights aren’t fully owned yet, huh? Well, that’s difficult.” (Nana)

A ship alone means nothing.

You need crew, ports, and warehouses, and complex vested interests are involved. Maintenance is also necessary regularly. Of course, people and places for that too…

And the water transport industry knows well that vested interests are their livelihood. They won’t give up rights so that their dominance won’t collapse.

“Nobles are deeply involved in the rights to use the bayside. Independent free cities like ours tend to be looked down upon.” (Leia)

“That’s because we’re weak. Even to have a ship, some noble has to back you, or it’s almost impossible.” (Nana)

“Exactly. Around here, water transport is controlled by the Laiger family, but they’re quite unique and difficult to deal with.” (Leia)

Leia muttered softly.

The messenger sent from Zanzas was turned away with no results. There was no prospect of negotiating. They could only be persistent.

Nana nodded in understanding.

“The Liger Household… all of them are muscle-heads. Talking with them will be difficult.” (Nana)

“Pfft, I didn’t say it was that bad!” (Leia)

“They ruined my tomato time in the noble house many times. All of them were beaten… Well, in this village’s words, pokopokoed.” (Nana)

“Scary.” (Leia)

Wearing a costume, it was hard to tell if she’s serious or joking. But she felt some nostalgia from Nana’s words. Despite saying that, it probably wasn’t a bad memory.

Then, casually Nana muttered…

“I don’t know if it’ll help, but I can go talk to the Liger Household.” (Nana)

“…Really?” (Leia)

Leia was surprised by those words.

She thought Nana, as an adventurer, had a certain stance in this village. She didn’t expect Nana to offer help to get involved in noble society so deeply.

“I don’t know if it will produce good results, though.” (Nana)

Leia stared intently at Nana in her costume.

Of course, no matter how much she stared, Nana’s expression was unreadable. Only the cockatrice costume with large round eyes.

After a moment, Leia shook her head lightly.

“…I’ll pass. I won’t rely on friends.” (Leia)

“Is that so?” (Nana)

“Friends made as an adult are precious. I gratefully accept your offer, though.” (Leia)

“That’s a fine attitude.” (Nana)

Nana nodded vigorously.

“Well, I also… consider you a friend. I just want you to know that much.” (Nana)

“Thank you, that makes me happy.” (Leia)

Leia smiled brightly.

Then, Leia and Nana silently worked. Leia drew boat designs divided by species, and Nana took notes on swallow circuits.

After a while, both got so absorbed that the sun was already starting to set.

“Are you there~?” (Stella)

A voice came from outside with a knock. It was Stella’s voice.

It was unusual. Stella rarely comes at this hour. They wondered if something happened.

“Hm? Come on in~?” (Nana)

Nana went to the entrance and opened it.

There stood Stella holding Dia. Dia flapped her wings and said energetically.

“The boat maker is here, piyo!?” (Dia)

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)